Galway In Days Gone By

The patriot dead

The third anniversary of the death of Patrick and harry Loughnane, done to death under circumstances of the most shocking cruelty during the Black and Tan regime, was fittingly celebrated at the graveside, Shanaglish, on Sunday last.

Mr. L. E. O’Dea, T.D., delivered an oration at the graveside. Crusheen pipers’ band headed the procession from the church opposite to which the martyred brothers lived.

The number of people present exceeded that of any of the previous celebrations. Prominent amongst them were a number of ex-internees, recently released.

Rev. T. Cawley, P.P., Beagh, recited the Rosary in Irish, kneeling at the grave. The prayers were answered by those present.

Mr. L. E. O’Dea, T.D., speaking from the plot beside the grave, said: “My friends, there is no Irishman worthy of the name who would not feel honoured to be asked to speak here to-day in memory of the brothers Patrick and Henry Loughnane. But for reasons that are known, and upon which I shall not dwell, the principal Irishmen who fought and suffered for the ideals for which the brothers Loughnane endured martyrdom, are to-day locked behind prison bars or hunted in the mountains.”

Pictured: The Christmas Lights over William Street in the city centre in November 1986.